SERENA BERRY

For the 79th week of "7 QUESTION SUNDAY" we shine the spotlight on another influential individual from the PNW...SERENA BERRY is an award winning independent filmmaker and producer from Tacoma, Washington. She holds a BA in Communications from the University of Washington-Tacoma.

4EVRGRN: Hey, SB! Tell us a little about yourself.

SB: I have been working in independent cinema Pacific Northwest for nearly a decade. My debut short film Shards was shown at HollyShorts Film Festival and won Best Narrative Short at the Synimatica Short Film Festival. Before penning Shards I worked as a freelance producer for PBS affiliate KCTS9 as well as multiple projects for Puget Sound non-profits organizations. My goal has always been to create stories that often don’t get told about real people.

From the perspective of a director, what makes the PNW unique? 2. How did the PNW inspire your desire to tell real stories through art? 

SB: The PNW has so many intersections that don't particularly exist in other regions. 

I have grown up with so many different cultures, experienced through music, art, food, and people. My parents are from inner cities in other parts of the country. Not many kids who come from those roots get to grow up seeing the beautiful sights the PNW area offers, eating pho, drinking artisan coffee, riding horses. 

Perhaps it's the military's influence on the area, but I've always seen the area as full of first generation PNW-ers. Here I am a born and bred PNW kid and that experience is directly opposite of how my parents grew up.  As a director, these differences are constantly on the forefront of my mind. I understand how fortunate I am to live in a place like this and it makes me want to tell stories of difference, healing and transformation. 

Wildest PNW experience?

SB: Camping near the Olympic national forest was pretty great. Amazing views around crescent lake, great hiking and one of a kind scenery at the national forest.

What is your favorite season?

SB: Summer definitely because it's so mild. 

Favorite place to escape in the PNW?

SB: I love walking in the brewery and art districts in the area. Especially in Tacoma and Seattle.

What is your favorite part of the filmmaking process?

SB: Production because it's the shortest and most stressful time. Everything you do to prepare just happens during that time. As an artist you're constantly worried about if what you put together will have legs. Once you get into production all of that worry and anticipation is transformed into action. 

What is a unique PNW activity you enjoy when you need to unwind?

SB: Drinking coffee. I've been to alot of different areas in my travels. You know there are people who survive only on dunkin donuts coffee?

You can follow Serena’s adventures on these socials:

IG:   @TACTOWNPRO

Youtube:  @TACTOWNPRO

Webpage: https://www.tactownpro.com/